How to write an article for the newspaper
How I did it: I was interested in interning at some of my larger local papers, but realized that I had no published portfolio, so effectively had nothing to offer them in terms of my skills. I then approached the editor of my neighborhood newspaper, a bi-monthly publication, about possible volunteer opportunities, if only for the experience. Instead I became the summer intern and was given two articles to write on the first day, both of which have now been published in the latest issue.
Lessons & tips: Put yourself out there. I was persistent and e-mailed a large number of papers before getting my current internship. And also don't assume that because you're working at a local paper, that it isn't as significant as working at a national paper... many well-known reporters got their start in independent publishing before moving on to bigger things
